Metro Real Estate Networking invites you to our May meeting!
This is your opportunity to enjoy a great lunch, hear a motivational speaker, share your listings and network with metro realtors.
"What a great way to get Realtors to start interacting with each other again and a great way to get the word out on our listings. " --Kristina P.
Networking: 11:30 to 11:45
Lunch & Speaker--Janet Tilden: 11:45 - 12:15
Janet will show you how to know what kind of person you are working with through their hand writing!
Sharing Real Estate Leads: 12:15 - 12:55
Door Prizes, Vendor Tables, Networking, Building Affiliations, Growing Your Business!
"I had a great time and am looking forward to next month. I plan to invite a new Realtor each time-activity is certainly a good way to continue personal and professional growth. "--Cassandra P.
Home inspections are not ‘code’ inspections, and a lot of home inspectors even treat the word ‘code’ as taboo. They call it the ‘C-word’. I recently had another home inspector on AR tell me he’s not even allowed to use that word in Kentucky. This is such a taboo word that I don’t use it either, but I don’t think it has to be this way.
The basis of taboo Three of the largest home inspection organizations make it clear in their Standards of Practice that home inspectors are not required to report on code compliance. For example, the ASHI Standards of Practice state that “Inspectors are NOT required to determine compliance with regulatory requirements (codes, regulations, laws, ordinances, etc.).” There is nothing in the standards prohibiting home inspectors from determining compliance… it’s just not a requirement.
Where ‘code’ plays a role in home inspections Home inspections are conducted to educate the client – usually a home buyer. The ASHI Standards of Practice states that Inspectors are required to report on Unsafe conditions, which is defined as a condition that is judged to be a significant risk to bodily injury during normal, day-to-day use; the risk may be due to damage, deterioration, improper installation, or a change in accepted residential construction standards.
Accepted Residential Construction Standards This is not defined, but my interpretation of this means ‘building codes’. This is how construction standards are defined. Inspectors in different parts of the country have different building codes, so they also have different construction standards. What is acceptable in one part of the country might be unacceptable in Minnesota. Home inspectors should be expected to know what’s acceptable in their part of the country, and they should be able to prove it if necessary – this means citing code.
It’s always a judgement call Since 2003, the National Electric Code has required arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) for bedroom circuits. AFCIs prevent fires. Does the lack of an AFCI breaker in a home built before 2003 constitute an unsafe condition? What about a new construction home? Let me ask that differently. Should a home inspector call out missing AFCIs in homes built before 2003? What about new construction homes? If a home inspector doesn’t answer ‘yes’ to the last two questions or ‘no’ to the last two questions, they’re basing their answer on ‘code’, not ‘unsafe’ conditions. Us home inspectors call this is a ‘construction defect’, but why not call a spade a spade? It’s a code violation.
The topic of turning water on at a property is a touchy one with home inspectors. Most inspectors view the practice as adding an unnecessary liability to our already highly litigious profession. Unfortunately we are at a time in my area where there are a vast number of bank owned homes which of course require winterization/de-winterization services. It's the number one cause of my having inspections constantly postponed or canceled until further notice.
How many times have you arrived on site and discovered the water needs to be turned on and you are asked or expected to take on the risk? I've found it's almost always expected that I operate gas and/or water valves but I take the opportunity to educate the parties involved as to the risks. Most of us know you should never turn the water on at the main. Whether or not you operate water valves you should know the risks involved.
Yesterday I arrived at an inspection where I was greeted with a ripped up driveway and an unfortunate story as to what caused the damage.
This property was in fact winterized however the winterization was not properly performed. The water meter was left on and as a result the section proceeding the meter was holding enough moisture to cause the supply line to break. I don't know how much time passed between the winterization and the water being turned back on but I do know the individuals who turned on the water had no business doing it. They more than likely did not perform a pressure test prior to introducing water into the system.
The information shared with me was that the water was turned on at the meter and immediately began shooting out just above the secondary shut off valve. Now that's bad enough but it gets worse from here. With the water shooting out the parties attempted to shut the water back off but the primary valve, at the floor, was rusted and just kept turning. As you know these valves tend to rust inside and will just spin and spin. To make matters worse the main shutoff outside was not visible and the water continued to gush out until the driveway was broken up to get at the water main. In the meantime the home was saturated with water causing paint to peel and bubble throughout. Who knows what the final cost will be but are you the type of inspector willing to risk having to pay for such damages?
I don't know about you but my inspection fee certianly would not cover the cost and I'm not the cheapest guy in town. Next time you are asked to turn on the water for the inspection consider what might happen.
The Omaha Fire Department is offering a FREE carbon dioxide and smoke detector. This offer is for owner occupied properties only and the fire department will also install the detector to insure correct installation.
This program is residents of the City of Omaha only and to register call Theresa with the Omaha Fire Department Public Safety Department at (402) 444-3560.
With the right amount preparation and attention to detail, you can maximize your house value and minimize your market time.
IT IS A FACT: "HOMES THAT SELL THE FASTEST, ALSO SELL FOR THE MOST MONEY" In today's housing market, buyers can afford to be choosy. A pre-listing inspection provides you with some powerful advantages that can help set the stage for a fast, successful sale. Afterall, the elements that motivate a fast transaction are the same elements that sell homes for top dollar.
A Pre-listing inspection makes "Cents" Each year thousands of homeowners needlessly lose thousands of dollars when selling their home. But they don't lose the money for reasons you might think. This money is lost because they unknowingly "left it on the table".... for the buyer to pocket. Simply put, they failed to recognize the hidden profit potential in their home. Some homeowners never discover that certain small, inexpensive repairs to their existing home can generate many times their cost in additional home value. A pre-listing home inspection puts you, the home seller, in control of the transaction by providing a value added benefit to your property with proof of the home's condition. It helps promote assurance and trust to your prospects that a qualified professional has inspected your home. A pre listing inspection will help you decide to correct problems or to adjust your sales price to reflect the estimated repairs. Buyers do not like surprises; it makes sense to eliminate any unnecessary complications in the selling process.
In this competitive market, you want to position your home in the most favorable light. Having a pre-listing inspection report available with highlighted repairs can be used as a selling tool when buyers come to visit. Being pro-active allows you the time to make the necessary repairs without the last minute complications and emotional stress associated with the negotiation process. Think about it.... it makes "cents" in the end.
Warmer weather is approaching and it's time to take action and get ready for new growth outside and a gentle breeze inside. Here are a few things to consider as we all prepare to enjoy the change of season.
Exterior
Freshen up those areas around trees and shrubs with some new mulch cover; it will also help retain some moisture from the Spring rains.
Rake in some new dirt/seed mix across those settling areas of your yard; over time you'll notice a leveling effect.
Clean and sweep around the exterior of windows and doors eliminating dirt blowing in as you open up the house with warmer weather approaching.
Sweep and clear the area around the air conditioner unit; it should be unobstructed for optimal efficiency.
Interior
Time to re-accessorize with fresh flowers replacing the silks, lighter looking shelf décor, sheers and possibly a switch of rugs to send a spring message.
Re-direct the view from furniture being arranged toward the mantel to take advantage of the outdoor view of the garden or yard.
Clean out the fireplace chamber, supply vents, closets areas that capture the winter dust and debris.
Pick a room a week, starting with the kitchen and give it a ‘detail' cleaning; you'll have a clean sweep before you know it.
Have you seen Cinderella Man? It was a movie made in 2005 about boxer Jim Braddock of New jersey directed by my favorite director, Ron Howard. I had seen the movie at least five times (I have no life outside of work), but never really paid attention to his final opponent, Max Baer. I follow boxing and dabbled in local circuits in younger days. The name "Max Baer" sounded familiar.... So I looked it up!
Maximilian Adelbert "Madcap Maxie" Baer was born February 11, 1909 in Omaha, Nebraska. Max was an American Hall of Fame boxer of the 1930s, one-time Heavyweight Champion of the World, Hollywood actor, entertainer, professional wrestler and referee. His son, Max Baer, Jr. played Jethro in the popular 1960's sitcom, The Beverly Hillbillies.
On Wednesday, November 20th, 1959, Max Baer refereed a boxing match in Phoenix. The next day, as he was shaving at the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood (I've stayed there.... It's awesome), Max experienced chest pains. His pains went away, but moments later a second heart attack claimed his life. His last words were, "Oh God, here I go."
In 84 professional fights from 1929 to 1941 his record was 72-12-0 (53 by KO). In Ring Magazine's 100 Greatest Punchers, Baer is ranked number 22nd.
Something else that you may find intersting: Omaha native, Montgomery Clift, who lived at the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood for three months, is said to haunt room 805. Hotel guest and staff claim to hear him playing his bugle and see him walking the hallways of his old floor.
The Nebraska Realtors Association has a legal hotline that is available for all Nebraska Realtors. This service is FREE and is available to ALL Nebraska Realtors. In order to utilize this service you must have a user code and a signed written permission from your Designated Realtor. Hours are Monday - Friday from 10:00 to 12:00 and from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. The program is administered by Ward F. Hoppe an attorney from Lincoln, Nebraska.
As a service to the community, The BrickKicker Inspection Service is proud to announce Child Safety 101, a free service to all parents with children under 3 years old. A BrickKicker expert will come to your home, give safety suggestions, give a safety status report, and product information all for free.
Keeping children safe is not easy, but is very important. Hopefully this service will help parents keep their homes and children safe. Just give us a call and make an appointment. It will only take half an hour of your time - small price to pay to keep your children safe.
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
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